Car news, 26 May ’25: Volvo XC90 gets a mid-life facelift and larger pricetag, Mazda’s rival to the Tesla Model 3 could soon be on sale
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday, May 26th 2025. Notably in car news today: Volvo XC90 facelift now in Aussie showrooms, Mazda 6e electric sedan being considered for local market.
Volvo Australia has released its facelifted XC90 to local showrooms, with pricing to start from $104,990 (before on-roads) for the Ultra B5 Bright, or $130,990 for the Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid.
Initially released in 2014 and expected to be completely phased out by the recently released EX90, the XC90 facelift and stay of execution is attributed to a global slowing of EV sales pushing back Volvo’s full-electrification targets.
Volvo’s comprehensive facelift covers both the interior and exterior of the XC90, with key upgrades including EX90-inspired exterior look, a new 11.2-inch central touchscreen, and vertical air vents that adorn an overhauled horizontal dashboard.
Alongside the XC90 facelift is a revised model range that axes the mid-spec B6. This leaves just two models in the XC-90 range – the mild-hybrid B5 with 183kW/350Nm, and the plug-in T8 which boasts 340kW/709Nm.
Mazda shortlists 6e sedan for Oz to take on Tesla Model 3
Mazda Australia is gearing up to launch its 6e sedan to local markets, after the model was approved for right-hand production thanks to lobbying by Mazda UK.
An ironclad Tesla Model 3 rival, the Mazda 6e sedan will offer a choice of two batteries: a 66.0kWh lithium iron phosphate pack with 479km range, and a 75.0kWh nickel manganese cobalt unit claiming 552km of WLTP range.
Regardless of battery choice, the Mazda 6e uses a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 180kW and 320Nm. Inside, the 6e promises a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 14-speaker Sony sound system, and 50-inch augmented reality head-up display.
Mazda Australia has also wishlisted the CX-6e – an electric midsize SUV which rivals the Tesla Model Y. Mazda UK will again do the legwork for the model, currently lobbying for the production of a right-hand drive variant to complement the 6e sedan.
Geely’s new flagship EX5 in the pipeline for Chinese market
Although not publicly released by the Chinese brand, Geely’s latest variant of the EX5 has been all but confirmed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
MIIT, locally comparable to Australian Design Regulations (ADR), has revealed Geely’s latest submission for a new EX5 variant. It features a revised powertrain and subtle styling enhancements over the outgoing model.
The cornerstone of the updated EX5 is undoubtedly its large 68.39kWh battery pack – an 8kW enhancement over the outgoing 60.22kWh battery. Geely claims its larger battery will push combined range to 610km (CLTC).
A spokesperson from Geely told Chasing Cars it “cannot confirm any additions to the Geely Auto Australia range at this time”. We anticipate an official Chinese release of a long-range EX5 to commence by end-of-year.
BMW unveils highly exclusive shooting brake – but not for Aussies
BMW has revealed its new shooting brake concept, the Concept Speedtop, at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este – a classic and vintage car event hosted in Cernobbio, North Italy.
The BMW Concept Speedtop follows largely in the footsteps of the Concept Skytop – an open-top two seat convertible unveiled by BMW at the same event last year. Both concepts are built on the BMW 8 Series platform.
BMW’s Concept Speedtop shooting brake is being produced in extremely limited numbers. Only 70 examples will be available to purchase, with an expected price of over AUD$1,000,000. BMW has stated the vehicle will not be available in Australia.
The Speedtop, much like its Skytop sister car, will be powered by a 460kW/750Nm4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 borrowed from the M8 Competition. It will likely be paired to a conventional eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Mazda CX-60 2025 Review
Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s review of the 2025 Mazda CX-60 was published, where he surmises price changes applied across the model range, and outlines key differences for Mazda’s third attempt at a CX-60 in Australia.
Spearheading the updates to the CX-60 (aside from slashed pricing) are significant suspension revisions and improvements to the transmission, both of which are denoted by Baker as being “20 percent better than the 2024 model”.
Baker criticised Mazda’s ongoing problem with a ‘crashing’ front suspension, which still prevails over large bumps. He described the CX-60 as a solid vehicle which remains rough around the edges in some areas.
With sharper pricing applied across the range, the CX-60 is a serious contender for those seeking a mid-size SUV with a six-cylinder under the bonnet. The CX-60 is capable of taking on more costly rivals like the BMW X3, or in-fighting with Mazda’s ever-popular family-focused CX-5.
